If you want a blueprint for what we should be doing, Iowa is a good example. Look at their OOC schedule last year. Illinois State, North Texas, Pitt and Iowa State. Granted, on is a rivalry and Pitt was probably expected to be better (a challenge game?) when they were added to the schedule, but they weren't world beaters either. Probably expected to be on par or slightly below that of Iowa's own team.
Why did they do it this way? Because Iowa knows its got its hands full with the Big Ten schedule. No need to go shopping for trouble..
And by luck of the draw last year, Iowa found itself with an easier than normal Big Ten schedule. And with MSU in the playoff, Iowa they ended up in the Rose Bowl. Without really beating anyone that we couldn't have reasonably beaten with our talent and good coaching.
Think its an anomaly? Look at their schedules and records for the past 8-10 seasons. Its the same thing every year. Play it safe OOC and, depending upon how they do in conference they'll either make it do a decent bowl, an above average bowl, and a couple times an elite bowl.
And in case you're interested, their last few recruiting classes were ranked 42, 59, 56, 51, and 44.
THAT, my friends, is your blueprint.
Why did they do it this way? Because Iowa knows its got its hands full with the Big Ten schedule. No need to go shopping for trouble..
And by luck of the draw last year, Iowa found itself with an easier than normal Big Ten schedule. And with MSU in the playoff, Iowa they ended up in the Rose Bowl. Without really beating anyone that we couldn't have reasonably beaten with our talent and good coaching.
Think its an anomaly? Look at their schedules and records for the past 8-10 seasons. Its the same thing every year. Play it safe OOC and, depending upon how they do in conference they'll either make it do a decent bowl, an above average bowl, and a couple times an elite bowl.
And in case you're interested, their last few recruiting classes were ranked 42, 59, 56, 51, and 44.
THAT, my friends, is your blueprint.
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